DO NOT ever leave a new bike unlocked. New bikes have the most value to thieves and they look for them.

DO NOT lock your bike to small trees, aluminum or wooden posts, or to chain link fences. These items can be easily broken or cut.

DO NOT lock your bike to anything posted as illegal. Check with your police department for local bicycle parking regulations.

DO NOT lock your bike to itself. A thief will just carry the whole bike away!

BASIC LOCK INFORMATION...

U-Locks vs. Cables. What is the correct choice? Although they are frequently used, lightweight cable or chain locks no longer provide adequate security in most areas. In neighborhoods with a known bicycle theft problem, the best choice is a strong, reliable U-lock. Moreover, remember, two locks are better than one!

Combine a cable lock and a U-lock, or even two U-locks, when securing your bicycle. The more time and trouble it takes a thief to attack your bike, the less likely it is that your bike will become a theft statistic.

Be sure to get a demo from a qualified professional of how the lock works and how to use it properly.

Design Features. Make sure that the design of the lock provides functional security. Gimmicks may look cool, but will they really protect your bike?

Solid Steel is the Strongest -- the ideal steel is hardened against cutting yet maintains flexibility, like Kryptonite's Kryptonium™ Steel used in the Evolution series of U-locks (New York Lock™, Evolution 2000™, and Evo Lite™).

Services. Find out about the lock's performance. Does it have a good track record? A warranty? A guarantee? Lifetime key registration and prompt key replacement services?

Sizes. Do not buy a larger lock than you really need. Thieves will utilize the extra space between your lock and your bike to their advantage. A tight fitting lock will make it even more difficult for thieves to get their tools into position and to attempt a theft.

HOW TO LOCK YOUR BIKE...

Always lock your bike, especially at home. More bikes are stolen from home than from any other location. Wherever you store your bike - a garage, a college dorm room, an apartment building - use your lock.

Pick a good Location. Select a location where there are other bikes. The chances are better that there will be a bike with a less secure lock -- or even without a lock -- and thieves will usually take the unlocked bikes first.

Always lock your bike in visible, well-lighted areas.

Lock your bike to a fixed, immovable object like a parking meter, or a permanent bike rack that is cemented or anchored into the ground. If you use a parking meter, make sure the locked bike cannot be slipped off over the top of the pole. Beware of locking your bike to items that can be easily cut, broken or otherwise removed.

Try not to let your lock rest against the ground where a thief can use a hammer or rock to smash the lock.

Use the lock correctly. Position your bike frame and wheels so that you take up as much of the open space within the U-portion of the lock as possible. The tighter the lock is, the harder it will be for a thief to insert a pry bar and pry open your lock.

If your U-lock has its keyway on the end of the crossbar, position the lock with its keyway end facing down towards the ground. This makes it harder for the thief to access your lock.

Always secure your components and accessories, especially those that can be easily removed, like quick release wheels or seats.

(c) Bicycle licenses shall be renewed uniformly throughout the state on January 1 of the third year following the year of registration. Renewal of a bicycle license shall be indicated by a supplementary adhesive device affixed parallel to, and above or below, the indicia, with the expiration date showing.

Amended Ch. 1268, Stats. 1988. Operative July 1, 1989.

Fees:

The fees required to be paid pursuant to this division are as follows:

(a) For each new bicycle license and registration certificate, the sum shall not exceed four dollars ($4) per year or any portion thereof.

(b) For each transfer of registration certificate, the sum shall not exceed two dollars ($2).

(c) For each replacement of a bicycle license or registration certificate, the sum shall not exceed two dollars ($2).

(d) For each bicycle license renewal, the sum shall not exceed two dollars ($2) per year [www.dmv.ca.gov/about/bicycle.htm].

EAST BAY BICYCLE COALITION

Promoting bicycling as an everyday means of transportation and recreation since 1972

EBBC has worked for thirty years to ensure and promote the safety of bicyclists and their bikes throughout the East Bay. Sponsored by EBBC, the League of American Bicyclists has led street skills cycling courses which have given cyclists tips and strategies for surviving on our streets. Know your rights and responsibilities and please ride safely! Take our Bicycle Safety Quiz, and check out the variety of resources on the web (such as BicycleSafe.com).